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AIBU?

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Original poster

...to ask if you ‘make’ things?

148 replies

Merryoldgoat · 26/08/2019 19:09

Just that really...

My FIL does lots of carpentry and I love it. I’ve been looking at a few easy projects to try and I’m reasonable handy so can use basic tools etc.

I also sew a bit, bake, and want to do more myself to my home.

I don’t have masses of time though so it’s slow going.

How do you fit it all in?

I have so much I’d like to do and not nearly enough time.

OP posts:
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16
sewinginscotland · 26/08/2019 19:59

I'm on maternity leave at the moment, so lots of time to make things! I usually sew during his naps. I'm currently loving making baby quilts, they're so fast and fun! I also enjoy baby clothes, and I may actually make a dress for myself sometime soon. I'm losing my baby weight, so I want to wait till that settles first.

My main tip is to finish a project before you start the next. However tempting it is.

Geraniumpink · 26/08/2019 20:00

Lagatha, if you look online there’s a few medieval recreation supply shops- possibly would suit the Tudor lot too. If you word it right, it would probably sell on eBay to be honest. I used to do historical recreation and it’s a fair size community and I know it would have a market there.

Oliversmumsarmy · 26/08/2019 20:02

I can't actually make stuff but I am good with a can of chalk paint .

Recently we had an old church pew which had seen better days which I painted black and it looks great. Painted out all the blemishes. Also a wardrobe that was scratched and knackered. I painted it a pale grey and DD has it in her room.

Crochetymum · 26/08/2019 20:03

@Ilovemyshoppingtrolley
Are you making the scrunchies on a sewing machine? I'd like to try them, might get me to use my machine, thinking they might be nice presents to give at kids parties or sell !

Lagatha · 26/08/2019 20:05

@Geraniumpink thanks so much, I'm googling as we speak Grin

pinkcardi · 26/08/2019 20:05

I run a small online business selling homemade decorative stuff. It's moderately successful, trying to build it up to provide a regular income. It's very irregular at the moment. I think I've found a niche and am trying to push it.

I enjoy the process of making things, I sew basic clothes, I alter and adapt clothes ( I have prefer this), I make curtains and blinds. I enjoy painting old furniture.

If you're lucky enough to have the time to try different things in small amounts I would do that. Something that might look fun just might not work for you in practice.

tryingtobebetterallthetime · 26/08/2019 20:13

I do paper crafts, especially making cards. I enjoy colouring stamped images to use on the cards. I have a little die cutting machine I use to cut shapes etc.

I can also knit and have made quite a few things but I find card making fits into my lifestyle better. I like the fact that I can make a very pretty card in an hour or two, while knitting is slower.

My biggest problem is wanting to buy expensive things like Copic markers. All the fancy papers, stamps, and dies are oh so tempting.

WoollyMollyMonkey · 26/08/2019 20:16

I want to cu a hole in my UPVC back door to fit a cat flap - but I’m scared!

MrTumblePulledAKnifeOnMe · 26/08/2019 20:19

I make lots of things, always have from cards, sewing, baking, gifts through to laser engraving and cutting. As the craft saying goes why buy it for £10 when you can make it with £100 pounds of supplies 😂.

I love what I do, have really got into wood and would love to doing proper woodwork, but happy with my little side hustle, as it gives me the freedom to make some unique and interesting things.

sugarplumfairy28 · 26/08/2019 20:26

I love making things, can usually turn my hand to most things. Recently really gotten into String Art even done one on an old skateboard. Have previously made wooden letters, painted them up as roads, with markings, curbs etc for young nephews and their cars, have made wooden decorative wording, love for example, I can sew although not my fav, have made a mermaids tail, more like a half sleeping bag then a blanket seeing as you get in it, made my own pelmets and curtains, and beanbags, have made candle holders, decorative glass and wooden, cross stitch, I've also made teddies and coasters. I usually make character/themed birthday cakes too. I also do all the DIY, fitted our kitchen myself, put up plaster board, plastered, did plumbing and some electrics. I do have the advantage of a workshop. Picture of one of my string arts, just because its one of my favs.

...to ask if you ‘make’ things?
ReapersHowler · 26/08/2019 20:27

Senned I sew the hammocks just with any old cotton type material and a layer of fleece. www.ratropolis.com/Rat%20Tutorials/RatTutorials.htm

These are the patterns I use, it saves an absolute fortune as I can get small fleece blankets from poundland and use old clothes for the other part.

managedmis · 26/08/2019 20:28

I cook. That's it. I did sew a button on last night too.

Catypillar · 26/08/2019 20:34

I have phases of doing different crafts. I alternate between drawing, painting, knitting, crochet, dressmaking, quilting, making cards, felting and baking. Recently I was off sick from work for a couple of months. I had long periods of time to work without interruption so made a lot of clothes, mainly t-shirts for us all. I'm back at work now so need something I can pick up and put down easily in between dealing with kids and sorting house, so have knitted DS2 a hat for the winter (he went to sleep cuddling it tonight as it's too hot to wear it) and am doing one for DS1 now, using wool they chose. My advice to you would be to do something you can start and stop easily, either because it doesn't need setting up or you can have a workspace permanently set up. It's much easier if you can just get started straight away as soon as you find you have a little bit of time.

Original poster
Merryoldgoat · 26/08/2019 20:55

This thread has made me very happy! Thank you all for replying and contributing.

I’ve found a lovely garden furniture plan made with very simple pieces of wood and I have to tools so maybe I’ll just have a go?

I still have a few things in the pipeline so maybe this is the kick I need to get a bit more into it.

Space is definitely an issue - whilst a good size, my house is open plan so it’s hard to crack on without some dedicated space.

Maybe when my toddler goes to nursery I’ll develop my carpentry rather than go back to work full time... 😂

OP posts:
craftynamechange · 26/08/2019 20:56

Name changed because this is very outing as I'm in the photo and my sons name is on a cake etc.

But yes, I crochet and sew (the dresses are made out of old duvet covers) and I make cakes. I don't sell anything, I make them and give them away as gifts to family and friends. And I only make cakes for my kids as there's too much swearing going on in the kitchen when it doesn't go right.

...to ask if you ‘make’ things?
...to ask if you ‘make’ things?
...to ask if you ‘make’ things?
craftynamechange · 26/08/2019 20:57

Some more

...to ask if you ‘make’ things?
...to ask if you ‘make’ things?
...to ask if you ‘make’ things?
Northernsoullover · 26/08/2019 20:59

I used to do bead weaving with a needle, thread and beads. I'm in uni now so I don't have the time but I plan to restart in the future. I'll see if I can find a pic.

longearedbat · 26/08/2019 20:59

I make simple things for the home like cushion covers, curtains, arm caps, that sort of thing (rather than buy them). I have also made some lovely rag dolls with full wardrobes. I make all my own cards. I used to use stamps, but I now draw and paint all my own as originals.
It will soon be time to make crab apple jelly and chutney. I love going into the winter with a full cupboard of preserves
I have recently discovered that I can get material printed up to my own designs (oh the wonders of the internet), so I am currently researching/studying how to design to get a flowing pattern rather than just a tile effect. All good fun. It helps that I am retired.
I also have a lot of half finished projects put aside because they haven't gone to plan....

KirstyJC · 26/08/2019 21:00

I spin wool and other fibres, weave, kind of knit and crochet, have tried needle felting and punch needling but not got very far. I also have art stuff, most recently pen and inks, but keep getting overwhelmed so do nothing! Oh and I sew a bit too. Not tried woodwork but fancy a go on a lathe one day.

longearedbat · 26/08/2019 21:03

OP, re woodwork - one of the best things I bought was a jig saw. I went through a period of cutting out shapes in ply with it, painting them and making wacky clocks.

darkriver19886 · 26/08/2019 21:04

I make a mess of life does that count? Grin
I write. I guess that is making something lol

Northernsoullover · 26/08/2019 21:06

Here you go. Basic but I enjoyed doing them.

...to ask if you ‘make’ things?
...to ask if you ‘make’ things?
Original poster
Merryoldgoat · 26/08/2019 21:06

@craftynamechange

Wow! You’re helluva talented! I especially love the blankets. Gorgeous.

OP posts:
Original poster
Merryoldgoat · 26/08/2019 21:10

@darkriver19886

Of course mess counts! I actually tried crafty things because my life felt messy and I wanted something ordered and creative to try.

@longearedbat

Deffo want a jigsaw and reciprocating saw. I have a lovely little sander.

I paint a bit of furniture too and was thinking a paint sprayer might be a good addition to my tools.

OP posts:
Winter2019 · 26/08/2019 21:12

I sooo wish I would be good at something but I'm really not a crafty person... Any suggestions what could I start with?! Something pretty straightforward?